Panathinaikos made a flying start to their Super League campaign, defeating Levadiakos 2-0 at Lampros Katsonis Stadium in Levadia. Jacob Neestrup’s Greens were the better side, dominating for most of the match, creating numerous clear-cut chances and producing some fine football at times. They also offered glimpses of what lies ahead in a match that saw Kings Kangwa and Imran Louza make their debuts.
Backed by thousands of supporters who packed the stadium, the Shamrock’s players produced some excellent combinations and could have secured an even more emphatic victory. The main objective, however, was to claim the win and all three points in order to make a positive start to the Super League campaign—particularly after last Thursday’s demanding return leg against Hradec Králové, which was decided in the closing stages of extra time.
Panathinaikos made the perfect start in Levadia. Tetteh came close to scoring as early as the second minute before the Greens took the lead just one minute later. In the third minute, Taborda delivered an excellent corner towards the near post, where Kosti, in his attempt to clear the ball, diverted it into his own net.
The Greens continued to press in search of a second goal and came close on several occasions: through a long-range effort from Kyriakopoulos in the 15th minute, an Andino shot in the 25th, a Calabria effort two minutes later and an attempt from Levi Garcia in the 31st. Moments later, Levi headed against the post following another Taborda corner. Levi García also threatened in the 44th minute after linking up with Tetteh, but Anacker raced off his line and cleared the danger.
At the other end, Pena remained alert and produced a magnificent save from Levadiakos’ only opportunity of the first half. In the 41st minute, Ozegovic connected with a header from the edge of the six-yard box, but the Spanish goalkeeper reacted superbly to preserve his clean sheet.
Pena responded brilliantly once again in the 58th minute to keep out a dangerous Pantea effort. Jacob Neestrup’s substitutions, with Kontouris, Pellistri and Dessers entering the match, gave the team fresh impetus, and a second goal now seemed only a matter of time. In the 73rd minute, Dessers attempted to score with a spectacular overhead kick from outside the penalty area. Three minutes later, the numerical balance changed when Symelidis was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Kangwa.
The resulting free kick led to the goal that sealed all three points for the Greens. In the 77th minute, Taborda once again delivered an excellent ball into the area, and Dessers made a superb run before heading home to make it 2-0 and score his fourth goal of the opening weeks of the season.
The Greens had further opportunities to add a third through both Dessers and Kontouris. They managed the remaining minutes effectively before celebrating their first victory of the league campaign together with their supporters.
Levadiakos: Anacker, Pantea, Liagas, Kornezos, Tsivelekidis (Baldé 80’), Vichos, Emmanouilidis (Bauza 46’), Kosti, Soot (Symelidis 56’), Ursi (Nikas 80’), Ožegović (Kobnan 56’).
Panathinaikos: Pena, Calabria, Kyriakopoulos, Van Drongelen, De Vrij, Camara (Kontouris 46’), Kangwa, Taborda (Louza 82’), Andino (Pellistri 60’), Garcia (Rastoder 82’), Tetteh (Dessers 67’).
